The latest transfer news and updates on all things Aston Villa:
Shay Given is on the verge of joining Stoke City in a last minute u-turn after a 2 year deal had been agreed with Middlesbrough. The veteran goalkeeper who found himself in the wilderness in recent seasons at Villa, found form in FA Cup appearances which led him unseating Brad Guzan as number 1.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
It is yet to be seen whether Given’s likely transfer to The Potters could be used as leverage in acquiring Asmir Begovic. Whilst it’s understood that Chelsea the Bosnian’s preferred destination, Villa may use the Irish stopper’s deal as a means to get round the table and thrash out a surprise deal.
Ron Vlaar remains a free agent and is believed to be considering an offer to join Dutch compatriot Ronald Koeman at Southampton. Vlaar’s future appears far from certain, and whilst remaining in the Premier League is his naturally the aim, one would imagine that he’d hoped for something a little more glamorous than St. Marys. The links to linking up with Van Gaal at Man United appear to have cooled to say the least.
With that said, Vlaar is also in sitting on offers from Besiktas and may take a view that going abroad offers him greater prospects. Either way, the chances of him returning to Villa Park appear zero to none.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
There was also some positive news earlier today that Graham Burke, released with a number of unsuccessful academy products earlier in the summer, has joined Notts County. The 21 year old drops down to the League Two side where he enjoyed a loan spell towards the end of last season. We wish him well.
Blackburn have reportedly set a £6 price-tag for parties interested in striker Rudy Gestede. The Championship striker, who has enjoyed mixed form over his career, is being tracked by Villa, Watford & West Ham.
And finally.
Utterly ridiculous sour grapes from Marseille President Vincent Labrune on Villa’s successful attempts to capture Idrissa Gueye;
“For once, the salary offer was not so far away for Idrissa. But he believes Villa can be a springboard for him. The Premier League, it has become the NBA of Europe. Everyone wants to play, even sign in small franchises”
Perhaps somebody should invite Labrune to a day wandering Aston Villa’s trophy room, examine our illustrious history & allow him a moment of reflection on the definition of petit.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});